Anna Maria island is just seven miles long and is made up of three small cities: Bradenton Beach,

Holmes Beach, and Anna Maria at the north. No matter which direction you come, you must cross water

via a bridge. At the southern tip is Bradenton Beach. You can head north from Sarasota travel on to Longboat Key

and cross over a draw bridge on to Bradenton Beach. There are also two other draw bridges from the main land of

Bradenton to come onto Anna Maria island. One way is via Manatee Avenue (SR 64 ) and the other is via Cortez Road.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

While Anna Maria Island is known for laid back living and relaxation, should you desire to participate in the local scene there's an abundance of activities. If you enjoy biking,

Bradenton Beach has a designated bike trail along Gulf Drive. Old Bridge Street has Putt Putt Golf and while you play, there is a misting system so you can stay cool. At the end of Old Bridge Street is a pier for your fishing pleasure as well as a restaurant. As a matter of fact, there are a variety of restaurants on Old Bridge St making it possible to satisfy every appetite.

Street.Whether it's pizza or French crepes to fish tacos, you can find a meal to satisfy. There are also shops and the US Post office is located here so you can mail post cards to your friends back home.Naturally you can swim in the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Snorkeling is also fun or surfboarding, parasailing or kayaking. Several local business will rent you all the necessary equipment. Naturally there are golfing and tennis too.

For additional ideas be sure to visit the Chamber of Commerce office for brochures and suggestions.

There's really a wide range of things to do here, if you want to have an action packed time you will find plenty. Of course you can always stroll along the shore collecting shells and then watch a breathe taking sunset with your favorite beverage. Kids would enjoy a visit to Bradenton to see Snooty the manatee. The area of Manatee/Sarasota counties also has great off shore fishing, jet skiing, kayaking, golfing, tennis, shopping, museums, and art galleries to explore.

Be sure to observe all the turtle watch rules as the Ridley turtles are building nests from early May and baby turtles are hatching on our beaches. You might even go on a turtle watch tour with our local turtle lady. Look in the paper for her schedule.

The entire island of Anna Maria has many reasonably priced awarding winning restaurants.The Sign of the Mermaid Restaurant has not only delicious food as in breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the owner is a triple time National Pie contest winner. Be sure and stop by.

Of course, check out the local newspaper for the latest events about the island. The A.M.I. SUN is just one. It's free and had lots of information you can use on current happenings.

Holmes Beach is famous for the Beach Cafe, Skinny's a small local hamburger, hotdog storefront plus along Gulf Drive you will locate the island grocery store, Publix and several island strip centers with your last minute beach items such as snacks, lotions, toys and beach towels.

OFF THE ISLAND

Mote Science Lab is just a short drive off the island and on to Longboat Key just a few miles to the south. Both you and your kids will enjoy a visit to this "hands on" science stop. This is where many of the rescued injured animals, occasional birds, turtles, etc are taken to recuperate and then are returned to nature.

ESPECIALLY for kids: FISHING FROM 2 Herons Landing private pier-outdoor showers on the pier to wash off the sand and salt from the beach.

Putt, putt golf on Bridge Street, Fishing from Rod and Reel at the tip of the island to the north Anna Maria. Take a tour of the island using the Free Trolley. Main attraction are the Gulf Beaches.

Using our supplied Boogie boards and tubes.

Day trips:

Disneyworld, Epcot Center, the Everglades, visit close by Sarasota with the Ringling Museum, and Selby Gardens.